Bone said:
I dont think people buy these vans to autocross they buy them to move kids and stuff.
I think there is a big difference between "autocrossing" and "improved handling and ride". Much is made of the difference between the handling of the older generation Sienna and the outgoing Odyssey.
One of Honda's selling points is that it is a more nimble and flat handling van than the Sienna - "more car like than van like".
The car magazines that review these vehicles also talk about the differences in handling, ride and comfort.
Honda has traditionally been known for better handling and more road noise (all of their vehicles have more road noise when compared to a Toyota equivalent, but they tend to handle better).
The Sienna has been known for a softer ride with more body roll and a quieter interior. People who wanted a more entertaining drive chose the Honda while those who didn't really care what the vehicle drove like and wanted more quiet and comfort chose the Sienna.
For 2011, the Sienna has improved the handling considerably and made the van quieter. They have attempted to close the gap in the handling department. The sport model is quiet and has good steering feel along with fairly flat handling in a turn.
I was simply asking what people have found with the new 2011 Odyssey (those who have driven one). Is the vehicle quieter? Does it handle even better? The car magazines haven't answered those questions, choosing to talk about the cup holders, etc. - such information being a reprint of Honda's official press release.
Most people in the market for a new mini van will be comparing the two brands. I was just wondering what those people think about the new Honda Odyssey.